COLOMBO, June 30 (ePRESS) – HNB’s long-term commitment to Sri Lankan sport continues to deliver results, with HNB Brand Ambassador Kyle Abeysinghe emerging as the country’s leading contender for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after a medal-winning performance at the Singapore National Swimming Championship.
The Sri Lankan swimming star clocked 50.94 seconds to win bronze in the Men’s 100m Freestyle, earning an impressive 755 World Aquatics Points, solidifying his position as the top ranked male swimmer in the country, and strengthening his position at the top of Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Games qualification race.
For HNB, Kyle’s success is another example of how strategic investment in sporting excellence can help Sri Lankan athletes compete and succeed at the highest international level.
Kyle’s achievement is particularly inspiring because it comes after one of the most difficult periods of his career.
The Paris Olympian spent four years away from competitive swimming due to illness between 2019 and 2023. Since making his return, he has overcome numerous physical setbacks.
Despite these challenges, Kyle remained determined to return to his best.
With the support of his family, coaching team and corporate partners such as HNB, he rebuilt his career step by step and once again established himself among Sri Lanka’s top athletes.
His latest performance in Singapore not only earned a place on the podium but also demonstrated that he continues to perform well with some of the region’s strongest swimmers.
According to the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU), the swimmer with the highest World Aquatics points will earn the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland. Kyle’s performance currently places him firmly in pole position.
The achievement also highlights HNB’s growing contribution to the development of aquatic sports in Sri Lanka.
Since last year, HNB has partnered with the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union to support some of the country’s premier swimming competitions, including the National Short Course Swimming Championship, National Long Course Swimming Championship and the National Age Group Swimming Championship.
Through these partnerships, HNB has played an important role in strengthening the sport’s development pathway while creating opportunities for swimmers across all age categories to compete and improve.
HNB’s Vice President – Marketing & Corporate Communications, Upul Adikari said the bank remains committed to empowering Sri Lankan athletes and supporting the future growth of swimming.
“At HNB, we believe that supporting sport and investing in the next generation is about creating opportunities for athletes to realise their full potential and inspire future generations. Our partnership with Sri Lanka Aquatics goes beyond sponsorship. We are committed to helping build a stronger foundation for swimming in Sri Lanka through our support of key national competitions and talented athletes such as Kyle Abeysinghe. Kyle’s remarkable journey of resilience and success reflects the values we champion as an organisation, and we are proud to stand beside him as he pursues Commonwealth Games qualification and continues to raise Sri Lanka’s profile on the international stage,” Adikari said.
The bank recently partnered with Kyle for a school outreach programme in Kandy, where nearly 1,000 students from Trinity College, Hillwood College, Gateway College Kandy and Kingswood College had the opportunity to interact with the national swimmer and learn from his experiences.
During the programme, Kyle encouraged students to remain focused on their goals and never give up when faced with challenges.
“I didn’t always have everything figured out when I was in school. Like many young people, I had ups and downs and moments when motivation was difficult to find. As I grew older, I found a clear purpose. Through programmes like this, I hope students can discover that purpose earlier and learn from some of the challenges I faced,” he said.
The initiative forms part of HNB’s broader commitment to youth development and financial literacy through its extensive school banking network across Sri Lanka.
By combining financial education, mentorship and sporting inspiration, HNB continues to create opportunities that help young people develop confidence, discipline and leadership skills.
As Kyle continues his journey towards the Commonwealth Games, his success serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when talent is supported by commitment, opportunity and strong partnerships.
For HNB, the swimmer’s achievements represent more than medals and rankings. They reflect the bank’s long-standing vision of empowering Sri Lankans to achieve excellence and compete confidently on the world stage.
With Commonwealth Games qualification now within reach, HNB and Kyle Abeysinghe continue to demonstrate how belief, perseverance and sustained support can transform ambition into success.
